Whether you’re selling for the first time or are a seasoned mover struggling to market your home, there are some simple and affordable ways to ensure your property stands out from the crowd.
SoGlos spoke to Gloucestershire estate agents Naylor Powell to highlight 10 ways to make sure your property gets snapped up.
Create a good first impression
First impressions are everything, so make sure your property has that all-important kerb appeal. Sweep up those leaves; weed the front garden; paint the front door if necessary; plant some pretty flowers in pots or hanging baskets; have the windows cleaned; and park your car away from the house to make a positive impression from the moment prospective buyers arrive.
Appeal to the senses
It might sound far-fetched, but the smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked bread can actually help to sell a house. If you’re not a baker, even putting on some scented candles creates an inviting ambience in your property – because nobody wants to be greeted by the smell of last night’s dinner.
Decluttering and DIY
Walking into a pile of trainers, muddy wellies and packed coat hooks doesn’t make a great first impression when prospective buyers step inside, so clearing up your entrance area can help make people feel welcome from the start.
De-personalising and de-cluttering throughout not only helps to make the house feel bigger, it also helps buyers envision how they’d use the space if it was theirs. It’s a good excuse to have a clear out before you move house too, so there’s less to pack up when your property sells.
Completing all the simple DIY jobs you’ve been putting off will make a big difference too.
Make it warm and cosy
It’s vital that homeowners think about heating when marketing their property. This is an important point especially during the winter months, as freezing cold houses don’t feel particularly welcoming.
If you’ve got an open fire or wood-burner, make sure it’s lit to create a warm and welcoming feel, as well as highlighting it as a standout feature. If your house is centrally heated, try and maintain a constant temperature – this will also help with issues like condensation during the colder months.
If you’re selling in the summer, opening up the windows so there’s plenty of fresh air is a great idea too.
Make the most of the garden
Outdoor space is particularly high on house hunter’s lists, especially following a year of lockdowns, so making the most of your garden is essential. If you’ve got a lawn, make sure it’s mowed; bring in any laundry that’s on your washing line; remove any broken toys or unsightly play equipment; and if there’s a patio, dress it with some garden furniture and potted plants to really show off the space.
With working from home becoming more prevalent, garden rooms are also in demand too – so if your property has a garden room, make sure it’s dressed as a usable space, such as a home office or studio, so buyers can see its potential.
Ensure it’s clean and tidy
It may seem like a no-brainer, but making sure your house is clean and tidy is of utmost importance when marketing your property. From making sure that washing up is done and put away, to freshly made beds and squeaky-clean bathrooms, make sure your house is sparkling clean before prospective buyers view it.
Mood lighting
Estate agents always endeavour to arrive with ample time to turn the lights on, but if you’re leaving the house just before the viewing, leave the lights on to set the mood. Table lamps provide a warmer, cosier feel than overhead lights.
And if you’re hosting viewings around Christmas, twinkling fairy lights and tasteful Christmas decorations can really make your house feel like a home.
Finishing touches
Bowls brimming with fresh fruit, potted herbs, indoor plants and vases of flowers are just a few of the simple home-staging tricks that can really make a difference, giving a lived-in feel without being overly cluttered.
Some Naylor Powell vendors have even left out freshly squeezed juice and cakes for their prospective buyers!
Create a pet-free environment
As much as people love their pets, if you have animals, it’s recommended that you remove all trace of them before welcoming prospective buyers to view your property. Tidy away their beds, food bowls and litter trays – and use diffusers or plug-in air fresheners to mask any potential pet smells.
Vacate the property
Buyers tend to prefer to view a property when the owner is not present, at least for the first time. They don’t feel under pressure and can share ideas of ways to make the property suit them better, without running the risk of the owner being offended.
